Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, July 30

The Parliament on Thursday approved tougher penalties for examination paper leaks and other unfair practices, with offenders facing up to 10 years in prison and fines of as much as 50 million rupees.

The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Thursday after the Lok Sabha approved it a day earlier. The bill was cleared by voice vote as several opposition parties staged a walkout.

Under the amended law, those involved in paper leaks or unfair means can be sentenced to between five and 10 years in prison and fined up to Rs 50 lakh. Organised offences will attract a minimum seven-year jail term and a fine of at least Rs 10 crore.

Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said the legislation covered examinations conducted by agencies including the National Testing Agency, the Union Public Service Commission and the Staff Selection Commission, as well as bank examinations.

The government said the law was part of a broader effort to reform public examinations and protect students from disruptions caused by leaks and malpractice.

The amendments allow state governments and Union Territory administrations to designate sessions courts as special fast-track courts for offences under the law. Proceedings are to be conducted on a day-to-day basis, with trials completed within three months of the filing of a charge sheet.

The central government will also be empowered to establish a special task force to investigate offences.

The original law was enacted in 2024 following a series of controversies over examination paper leaks. Opposition lawmakers during the debate criticised the government over police action against protesting students and demanded greater accountability.